What are NOx Emissions?

NOx is a group of seven compounds, of which EPA regulates just nitrogen dioxide (NO2) because it is the most prevalent form of atmospheric NOx produced by human activity.

NO2 is important by itself, and also reacts to form tropospheric (breathable) ozone (O3) and acid rain.

Tropospheric ozone is the main ingredient of smog. NO2 reacts in the presence of air and ultraviolet light to form ozone and nitric oxide (NO). The NO reacts with free radicals in the atmosphere, which are also created by the UV acting on VOCs.

The free radicals then recycle NO to NO2. With this process, each NO molecule can produce ozone multiple times.

Power plant boilers produce roughly 40% of the NOx emissions from stationary sources. Other sources include industrial boilers and incinerators, gas turbines, stationary diesel engines, iron and steel mills, cement and glass manufacturers, and petroleum refiners.

In 1978, Tri-Mer Corporation introduced its Tri-NOx scrubber, a NOx destruction system that accommodates any combination of NO and NO2, and guarantees a clear stack. Tri-NOx scrubber systems reduce contaminant levels from a given inlet concentration to the specified outlet concentration. Equipment is engineered for continuous operation in a specified environment and seismic zone.

Tri-NOx has become one of the most widely specified technologies for the efficient, reliable control of NOx from industrial sources.